The Star City Strong Recovery and Resiliency Advisory Panel made recommendations, which were approved by City Council on September 21, 2021, that made $2 million of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds available for Violence Interruption efforts currently underway through the Roanoke Police Department, the Gun Violence Prevention Commission, and others with a particular focus on law enforcement, violence interruption, anti-gang activities, and prevention efforts with a significance on youth. City Manager, Bob Cowell, says, “This effort is a key component of the City’s overall framework to address gun violence – a framework focused on prevention, intervention, and justice through engagement by and through law enforcement, community partners, and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office.”
On Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, the Gun Violence Prevention Commission will start accepting applications for violence interruption proposals and Gun Violence Prevention Commission mini-grants focused on prevention, intervention, and response initiatives to reduce gun violence in the community. All organizations interested in seeking American Rescue Plan Act funds should register to attend an information session on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 7 pm. The grant application period closes on Thursday, March 31, 2022.
“This is an essential opportunity for nonprofit and faith-based organizations to participate in reducing gun violence in our community. Building on the success of our first round of mini-grants, we know that collaboration brings about transformation, and together we will create pathways for our youth and young adults leading to health and wholeness,” states Roanoke City Councilmember Joe Cobb.
The commission is primarily interested in programs that work with youth and young adults and are collaborative in nature. Gun Violence Prevention Commission mini-grants will be distributed ranging from $5,000 – $10,000 for activities to be completed by December 1, 2022. Violence interruption proposals will have a baseline of $25,000 to be completed by December 1, 2023.
Prevention, Intervention and Response efforts may include Youth Development (Afterschool Programs, Mentoring, Education, Life Skills); Training Programs (Workforce, Conflict Resolution, Trauma-informed Care); Scholarships; Mental Health Counseling for Families Impacted by Violence; Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship; Violence Interruption efforts in collaboration with our Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Team.
Mayor Sherman Lea says, “The Council and community stand united with the Roanoke Police, and the Gun Violence Prevention Commission is doing all that can be done to combat violence in our community. These grants represent part of the actions that we have put in place to provide an immediate response to the violence and for the long-term prevention of further violence.”
For additional information please email Joe Cobb and Angie O’Brien at GVPC@roanokeva.gov.
Gun Violence Prevention Commission
